HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced his new blood donation initiative, "Give Thanks! Give Life! Give Twice!" aimed at increasing the nation's blood supply reserve, which often dips as low as a two-day supply.

"Donating blood is a simple, safe, life-saving, and selfless gift that millions of Americans can give," Secretary Thompson said.  "At this time of Thanksgiving, be thankful for what you have, and remember those less fortunate.  Please give blood regularly."

The goals of the new blood donation initiative include giving thanks to all regular volunteer blood donors and encouraging every qualified federal employee in the nation to give blood twice a year or more.

"Emergency donations show how generous Americans are with blood donation, but when there aren't big emergencies, we sometimes need a gentle reminder.  I'm here to gently remind," Secretary Thompson said.  "Nearly 32,000 pints of blood are used in the United States every day.  That's three gallons every minute.  And someday, the person needing that blood may be you or your loved one. Let's all work together to increase the supply of blood in our nation the whole year through."

Currently 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, but only 5 percent are regular donors.  The Secretary's initiative will focus on raising the donor pool to 10 percent of the population.

Secretary Thompson will issue a challenge to all the members of the President's Cabinet to participate in this initiative by supporting blood donation in their workplaces, and by actively promoting blood donation in their departments.  In the spring, Secretary Thompson will invite the participation of state and local governments and the private sector through the Workplace Partnership for Life, the Secretary's blood, organ, tissue, and marrow donation initiative.

"Give Thanks! Give Life! Give Twice!" will host events throughout the year.  At the end of the year, each blood-banking agency will recognize donors and employers, and Secretary Thompson will recognize federal departments and agencies that led outstanding donation efforts.

The challenge is issued in cooperation with America's Blood Centers, the American Association of Blood Banks, and the American Red Cross, and will be part of the Secretary's Gift of Life Donation Initiative.

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http://www.hhs.gov/news

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